Israel-Hamas War’s Massive Destruction

The 21st century’s most brutal conflict and the laws of war.

Iranian Proxy War Escalating

Tehran-backed forces are routinely shooting at American forces.

US-Iran Tensions Escalate

The war in Israel is in danger of expanding.

The Fine Line Between Supporter and Co-Belligerent

America’s involvement in the Israeli and Ukrainian war efforts is more than advertised.

Israel, Hamas, and the Laws of War

It’s . . . complicated.

Ash Carter, 1954-2022

A brilliant national security leader is gone too soon.

Myths of Presidential Impunity

While enormous, the commander-in-chief’s control over state secrets is not absolute.

U.S. Kills Ayman al-Zawahiri, al Qaeda Founder and Leader

A precision drone strike on a balcony in Kabul took out a longtime nemesis.

Trump Pondered Mexico Missile Attack, Shooting BLM Protesters

The 45th President was a psychopath.

Saudis Execute 81

More brutality from an ostensible US ally.

Raid on Terrorist Leader Kills More Civilians

The American way of war kills a lot of noncombatants.

Erik Kurilla Nominated as Next CENTCOM Chief

A former classmate is going to be one of the US military’s most senior leaders.

US-France Submarine Contretemps

American cheese will henceforth be known as liberté cheese. And not because of the metric system.

Afghanistan War’s Chaotic Ending

After 20 years, the conflict closes much as it began.

US Retaliates Against ISIL-K

An unsatisfying first(?) response.

Terrorist Strike Hits Afghan Evacuation

Thirteen Marines and dozens of Afghan civilians are dead in a much-anticipated attack.

US Racing to Meet Withdrawal Deadline

The evacuation could soon become a terrorist target.

Capitol Riot Could Have Been Much Worse

The live coverage of Wednesday’s assault on American democracy underplayed its seriousness.

US Retaliates for Iranian Retaliation

A proportional response.

CQ Brown to Become First African-American Service Chief

Another milestone has been reached.

US Signs Deal with Taliban

It’s not clear what has been achieved.

The Childlike Foreign Policy Stylings of Donald J. Trump

A bold new plan for security in the Middle East.

Trump’s Threat To Attack Iranian Cultural Sites Would Probably Be A War Crime

President Trump’s threat to attack Iranian cultural sites would most likely constitute a war crime if he actually carried it out.

In Attacking Iran, Trump Is Losing Iraq (Again)

The assassination of a top Iranian official on a visit to Baghdad is having the expected negative impact on our relationship with Iraq and the fight against ISIS.

Actions have Consequences

Despite Pompeo’s assurances, we are already seeing consequences for the Suleimani killing.

Iraqi Protesters Storm U.S. Embassy

Amid protests over American airstrikes, the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad has become a target.

Navy Secretary Dismissed In Dispute Over Case Involving SEAL Accused Of War Crimes

The Secretary of the Navy was abruptly dismissed late yesterday in a dispute over the a case involving a SEAL accused of war crimes.

Trump Clears American Soldiers Involved In War Crimes

Against the advice of his top military advisers, President Trump has cleared three American soldiers of war crimes, sending a horrible signal to the world and to the troops in the field.

Leader Of ISIS Believed Killed In Raid In Syria

There’s apparently big news in the fight against ISIS.

Russia And Turkey Divide Up Northern Syria As U.S. Retreats

As American forces retreat, Russia and Turkey are dividing up northern Syria like,well,a turkey.

ISIS A Big Winner After Trump’s Retreat

ISIS is quickly taking advantage of the abrupt American withdrawal from northern Syria.

Pence And Pompeo ‘Ceasefire’ Benefits Turks, Syria, And Russia, Screws Kurds

American negotiators are claiming a ceasefire in northern Syria. The Turks, Syrians, and Russians are the winners, the Kurds are the losers, and we look like schmucks.

Turks Continue Offensive As Trump Imposes Weak-Kneed Sanctions

As the Turkish invasion of northern Syria continues, Donald Trump responds with basically nothing.

Turkey, Syria, And Russia Win, U.S. Loses As Syrian Crisis Widens

Turkish forces advance, American forces retreat, the Kurds seek new allies, and Syria and Russia come out the winners.

Turkish Forces Cross Border Into Northern Syria, Hit Kurdish Areas

Just days after President Trump agreed to remove American forces from the scene, Turkish forces are entering northern Syria and Kurdish forces say they ar ready for war.

Trump’s Syria Moves Face Heavy Criticism

President Trump’s latest Syria move is coming under heavy criticism even from fellow Republicans.

Trump Pulls U.S. Forces From Northern Syria, Leaving Kurds Vulnerable

The United States is withdrawing its small force from Northern Syria, clearing the way for a Turkish invasion that will likely
aim to wipeout the Kurdish forces in the region.

Trump Told Russians He Didn’t Care If They Interfered In 2016 Election

Not surprisingly, President Trump told Russian officials early on that he didn’t care if Russia interfered in the 2016 election.

Israel Conducts Kinetic Strike against Hamas Cyber Operations Center

This could be a very big deal – unless it isn’t.

Sri Lanka Attacks Prove That ISIS Has Not Been Defeated

Sunday’s attacks in Sri Lanka make it clear that the claim that ISIS has been defeated are nowhere close to being true.

Mosque Officials Say They Warned Sri Lankan Authorities About Attacks

Further evidence that Sri Lankan authorities failed to act on warnings of rising Jihadism in their country.

ISIS Claims Responsibility For Sri Lanka Church Terror Attacks

ISIS is claiming responsibility for Sunday’s attacks in Sri Lanka, a strong sign that the claims by the Trump Administration that it had largely defeated the group were not true.

Sri Lanka Ignored Warnings Of Potential Terror Attack

Evidence is emerging that the Sri Lankan government had advance warning regarding potential terror attacks but failed to act on the information.

Why We Can’t Have Nice Things

Pledges from wealthy men to help rebuild Notre Dame cathedral after a devastating fire is generating backlash.

Trump Vetoes Measure To Curtail U.S. Support For War On Yemen

President Trump has not surprisingly vetoed a Congressional resolution to limit American support for the Saudi war on Yemen. His defense for doing so is utterly absurd.

America’s Allies Refuse Trump’s Request To ‘Fill The Gap’ In Syria

After two years of spitting in their faces, President Trump is finding it hard to get America’s European allies to come to his aid.

U.S. Leaving Behind A Token Force In Syria

Rather than pulling completely out of Syria the United States will be leaving behind a token force of about 200 troops. This is a mistake.

Donald Trump Shrugging Donald Trump Shrugging

Trump’s Foreign Policy Ignorance

More than any recent President, Donald Trump displays a tremendous amount ignorance about the world. Even worse is the fact that he seems proud of it.

Top Anti-ISIS Envoy Resigns Over Syria Withdrawal

President Trump has lost another one of his top advisers on the fight against ISIS.

U.S. To Withdraw Up To 7,000 Troops From Afghanistan

The Pentagon is being ordered to draw up plans to withdraw roughly one-half of the American forces remaining in Afghanistan. It’s about time.